Rod-building expo to help anglers

For many anglers, finding the right rod and reel is as difficult as picking out the most attractive lure on a warm spring morning.

Differences in length, weight, manufacturer and overall comfort often leave sportsmen buying more equipment than they really need.

For fishermen looking for answers, help is on the way.

The 2009 International Custom Rod Building Exposition, which will be held Feb. 21-22 at the Showplace Center in High Point, will offer a do-it-yourself guide to building the perfect rod and reel combo without the trial and error of purchasing the implements in a retail setting.

"I've been to other rod building events but this one blew me away," said former expo attendee Pete Sprague. "The educational seminars were fantastic and the amount of products available was beyond belief."

The exposition, the world's largest event for custom rod builders, will also feature morning seminars on basic custom rod building, allowing anglers to see firsthand each and every step involved in creating that custom feel.

A total of 25 continuing education seminars will be featured during the weekend. However, the Saturday and Sunday morning sessions will benefit the first-time rod builder the most.

Everything anglers need to know about the craft will be presented by world-renowned rod builder Jim Upton. The goal of the seminar is to give fishermen the tools necessary to choose the right equipment and be able to build a fishing rod in one weekend.

In addition to the seminars, the event will feature over 50 manufacturers and dealers of fishing rod blanks, components, tools and accessories. Among the vendors participating are Legacy Paddlesports, Pacific Bay, Mud Hole Custom Tackle and St. Croix. Approximately 2,000 custom craftsmen from all over the world are expected to attend the event.

The admission price is $10 per day and parking is free. All seminars are free with price of admission.